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Porcelain Tile 101

September 10, 2019

As enthusiasts of all kinds of surface design, we can’t say that we have one “favorite” brand, product, or material. However, there are certainly selections that we are compelled to highlight because of their usefulness and overall value to designers and builders. Porcelain is undoubtedly one of those selections.  

The popularity of porcelain tile comes as no surprise due to its durable nature and high quality results. In fact, the global porcelain tiles market is forecasted to see a .23 percent increase in the porcelain floor tiles segment by 2022. That said, we can all agree that it is a product worth paying close attention to in the coming years.

We’ve always been fans of quality porcelain tile products. It’s time to update you on the state of porcelain tiles of today while sharing useful, industry knowledge that supports our sincere appreciation for this type of product.  

Ready to get started? Us, too! Let’s go!

How is it different?

When consumers, designers, or builders weigh production options one of the first things they ask is usually, “so, how is this different?” It’s a great question, and answering it can shed light on if it’s the right product for a particular job (or not). Porcelain is different from other materials in a few ways. Difference number one is that its durability is unparalleled. Since it is almost unaffected by liquid, porcelain is a top choice for spaces that are exposed to excess moisture. Beyond that, porcelain’s through-body composition makes it a harder material than other tiles which means it is a favorite for areas that expect to endure high foot traffic.

Why is it so popular?

Why porcelain tile is popular could easily be linked to how it’s different from other products. The toughness of porcelain makes it a champion against water exposure and high traffic. When it comes to flooring, durability is always near the top of the list of essentials to consider. Budget inevitably affects market popularity. The demand for more porcelain tile products has brought forth a multitude of different brands with different price points. For some, porcelain is a more cost efficient option compared to hardwood flooring or natural stone. For others, it might be above their budget compared to ceramic or LVT. Another nod to its popularity factor is porcelain’s simple maintenance. We’ll go more in depth on that in the next point.

What’s the upkeep like?

Compared to other, quality flooring options porcelain tile is among the easiest to clean. With a regular cleaning once a week, occupants will see a beautiful result that lasts throughout the lifetime of the tile itself. Cleaning porcelain is a simple, two-step process. First, sweep the floors with a microfiber mop. Then, mop with a combination of cleaning solution and hot water. There is a third step if a buildup exists, but it too is a quick fix. If this happens, all that needs to be done is a surface scrubbing using a soft, nylon brush. 

What are the cons?

Aside from the possibility of the price point being out of reach due to budget restrictions, the cons are on the lower end, numbers wise. Some flooring folks will argue that porcelain is more slippery than other products. That is simply not true. Although porcelain tiles can look slippery when they are glossed or freshly polished, there is no more of a safety risk than there would be on any other type of flooring.

Interested in learning more about the porcelain tile products that Trinity Surfaces carries? You can start with our website by selecting your location and browsing the manufacturers we work with. If you want direct communication with a Trinity Surfaces surface ninja, you can contact us right now! 

Categorised in: Porcelain Tile

This post was written by Matt Hepner